22 Thurloe Street, London, SW7 2LT
This bookshop offers a motivational and thoughtful take on the business of selling books which runs centrally to understanding the needs and proclivities of those opting for a few minutes wander round the shop. Virtually next door to South Kensington tube station, it is easy to find and worth a few minutes of your day whenever you’re in the area. With such a prominent position, the footfall is guaranteed, but ephemeral, so the window display and vestibule area of the shop offers clear and focused information destined to take you to the shelves where your choice of preferred and stimulating reading matter abides. The bookfront promises a focus on ‘Art, History, Travel and Literature,’ but their main focus has recently turned from history to fiction, as Dave and Charlotte both explained to us.
If they like independent publishers they are always prepared to give them exposure at the front of the shop – it is truly an independent bookshop – though the latest bestselling writers like Ian McEwan are also in evidence. They have an informative stand outside the shop, which changes each week to lure the would-be bibliophile in with the latest books on offer. The latest children’s books had a decent share of the window display with books about London and a comprehensive selection of the latest fiction titles. A very friendly and welcoming atmosphere is immediately obvious – as we found – no request is too obscure or difficult to find. It is a shop that offers the kind of interest and service for the customer that you might associate with a more parochial and out of the way bookshop, providing a refreshing visit for the title hunter, and open on Sundays until 7pm.
Contact details
Address: 22 Thurloe Street, London, SW7 2LT
Phone number: 020 7589 2916
Website: kensingtonbooks.co.uk
Email: southkensingtonbookshop@hotmail.co.uk
Weekday opening hours: 10.00 – 20.00 (also Sundays 12.00 – 19.00)
Facebook: @southkensingtonbooks
Twitter: @southkenbooks
Nearest tube station: South Kensington
Buses: 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1
Leave a Reply